US9045251B2 - Container with reinforcing locking tabs - Google Patents

Container with reinforcing locking tabs Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US9045251B2
US9045251B2 US14/445,379 US201414445379A US9045251B2 US 9045251 B2 US9045251 B2 US 9045251B2 US 201414445379 A US201414445379 A US 201414445379A US 9045251 B2 US9045251 B2 US 9045251B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
panel
container
reinforcing
locking tabs
locking
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
US14/445,379
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20150034708A1 (en
Inventor
Hector Alonso Sanchez
Jose Manuel Fraga Munoz
David Kretz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IP Cartones y Corrugados S de RL de Cv
International Paper Co
Original Assignee
IP Cartones y Corrugados S de RL de Cv
International Paper Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by IP Cartones y Corrugados S de RL de Cv, International Paper Co filed Critical IP Cartones y Corrugados S de RL de Cv
Priority to US14/445,379 priority Critical patent/US9045251B2/en
Assigned to INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY reassignment INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MUNOZ, JOSE MANUEL FRAGA, SANCHEZ, HECTOR ALONSO, KRETZ, David
Assigned to IP CARTONES Y CORRUGADOS, S. DE R.L. DE C.V. reassignment IP CARTONES Y CORRUGADOS, S. DE R.L. DE C.V. CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNOR NAMES PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 033883 FRAME: 0534. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Assignors: MUNOZ, JOSE MANUEL FRAGA, SANCHEZ, HECTOR ALONSO
Publication of US20150034708A1 publication Critical patent/US20150034708A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US9045251B2 publication Critical patent/US9045251B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/441—Reinforcements
    • B65D5/443—Integral reinforcements, e.g. folds, flaps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/001—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable
    • B65D5/0015—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable the container being formed by folding up portions connected to a central panel
    • B65D5/002—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable the container being formed by folding up portions connected to a central panel having integral corner posts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/001—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable
    • B65D5/0015—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable the container being formed by folding up portions connected to a central panel
    • B65D5/002—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable the container being formed by folding up portions connected to a central panel having integral corner posts
    • B65D5/0025—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable the container being formed by folding up portions connected to a central panel having integral corner posts the corner posts being formed as a prolongation of a doubled-over extension of the side walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/441—Reinforcements
    • B65D5/445—Reinforcements formed separately from the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/46—Handles
    • B65D5/46072—Handles integral with the container
    • B65D5/4608—Handgrip holes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/64—Lids
    • B65D5/66—Hinged lids
    • B65D5/6626—Hinged lids formed by folding extensions of a side panel of a container body formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank
    • B65D5/6629—Hinged lids formed by folding extensions of a side panel of a container body formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank the lid being formed by two mating halves joined to opposite edges of the container body
    • B65D5/6632—Hinged lids formed by folding extensions of a side panel of a container body formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank the lid being formed by two mating halves joined to opposite edges of the container body the lid-halves being held in closed position by flaps or tabs provided at their side edges only
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/20—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form
    • B65D5/30—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form with tongue-and-slot or like connections between sides and extensions of other sides
    • B65D5/308—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form with tongue-and-slot or like connections between sides and extensions of other sides the slot being provided in a lateral extension of a side wall combined with a tongue being a part of an adjacent side wall

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to paperboard containers having doubled-over reinforcing panel sub-assemblies at its interior corners, and in particular, to locking mechanism used in the paperboard container to help maintain and prevent from bulging out even if the container is over-packed.
  • box styles include “swing under” styles, double wall RSC's (regular slotted containers), and various combinations of hand-erected trays and HSC's (half slotted containers), all of which require much more paperboard for a given endurance level.
  • corrugated paperboard container having locking features to help maintain the container from opening when outward pressure was applied at the side walls or when the lid of the container was folded away from the container as the container is filled.
  • the present invention reduces the propensity of the previously existing length-panel locks on the container from opening when outward pressure was applied at the side walls or when the lid of the container was folded away from the container as the container is filled with articles.
  • the existing locks on the container may be opened if it is unreasonably over-packed, and thus the container would lose its shape, and essentially return to a knocked-down flat shape.
  • a reinforcing locking tab is added that would prevent the side walls from being deflected outward, thus reducing the propensity of the side wall locks from opening. When these reinforcing locking tabs are in-place, the side walls of the container are held in a vertical position, thus maintaining the integrity of the locks on the container.
  • these reinforcing tabs also reduce length-panel bulge when the container is under load. Additionally, these reinforcing locking tabs are formed by material which is already contained in the existing blank size of the container. No additional material or increase in blank size or in the basis weight of corrugated material is added to container to gain the aforementioned benefits of the present invention.
  • an efficient and easily hand-formed container is provided from a one-piece corrugated paperboard blank which includes various inventive features such as reinforcing locking tabs and hingedly connected inner, middle, and outer panels that may be used singularly or in combination with other inventive features.
  • one aspect of the present invention is directed to a container formed from a one-piece blank including a bottom panel, first and second opposed side walls foldably attached to the bottom wall, and first and second end walls foldably attached to the bottom wall.
  • a top lid panel is foldably attached to the first side wall and a bottom lid panel is foldably attached to the second side wall.
  • Each of the respective first and second end walls includes a respective first and second reinforcing panel sub-assembly that are foldably attached to the lateral edges of the end walls.
  • the respective first and second reinforcing panel sub-assembly is defined by an inner panel, a middle panel, and an outer panel.
  • a plurality of reinforcing locking tabs where each of which is formed in the top and bottom lid panels and wherein the respective plurality of reinforcing locking tabs is sandwiched between a respective inner panels and a respective middle panels so as to prevents the side walls from being distorted upon outward pressure applied to these side walls when the container is unreasonably over-packed during shipping and transportation.
  • FIG. 1 Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a container formed from a one-piece blank which comprises a bottom panel having two pairs of opposed side edges. First and second opposed side walls are hingedly connected to one pair of opposed side edges of the bottom panel. A top lid panel is hingedly connected to the first side wall.
  • the top lid panel includes two reinforcing locking tabs ( 112 a ), ( 112 b ) spaced apart from one another.
  • a locking tab is formed in the first side wall on at the hinged connection.
  • the locking tab includes a thumb notch located within the tab adjacent to the fold line.
  • the top lid panel includes a pair of cover latches located on the outer corners thereof.
  • a bottom lid panel is hingedly connected to the second side wall.
  • the top lid panel includes two reinforcing locking tabs ( 112 c ), ( 112 d ) spaced apart from one another.
  • the bottom lid panel includes a pair of alignment tabs located on the outer corners thereof.
  • First and second opposed end walls are hingedly connected to the other pair of opposed edges of the bottom panel.
  • Each end wall having opposed side edges is oriented orthogonal to its hinged connection to the bottom panel.
  • Each end wall includes a hand hole lock, a lock slot, and a recess located along an end wall exterior edge.
  • the lock slot is located between the recess and the hand hole lock.
  • Each end wall further includes a first reinforcing panel sub-assembly hingedly connected to one end wall edge and including an inner panel, a middle panel, and an outer panel.
  • the outer panel includes a recess along an outer panel exterior edge and a hand hole.
  • the middle panel includes a locking slot near a middle panel exterior edge.
  • the inner panel includes a pair of recesses with an intermediate tab located along an inner panel exterior edge.
  • a second reinforcing panel sub-assembly is hingedly connected to the other end wall edge and including an inner panel, a middle panel, and an outer panel.
  • the middle panel includes a locking slot near a middle panel exterior edge.
  • the inner panel includes a pair of recesses and an intermediate tab each located along an inner panel exterior edge.
  • the cover latch is inserted into the locking slot of the end panel and the alignment tabs are positioned in the recesses of the outer panel of the first reinforcing panel sub-assembly and the end wall and each of the respective reinforcing locking tabs ( 112 a ), ( 112 b ), ( 112 c ), ( 112 d ) is sandwiched between the respective inner panels and a respective middle panels so as to prevents the side walls from being distorted upon outward pressure applied to these side walls when the container is unreasonably over-packed during shipping and transportation.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art container shown in its configuration for shipping;
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the paperboard blank from which the container of FIG. 1 is formed;
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the container in FIG. 1 illustrating an end wall exterior during assembly
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the container in FIG. 1 illustrating an end wall interior during assembly
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6A is a plan view of a unitary blank used to form the container shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 6B is a plan view of an alternative unitary blank that is the same as blank in FIG. 6A except that four extra locking tabs and corresponding four recesses are formed therein in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 7A illustrates the unitary blank of FIG. 6A in a partially folded position by illustrating one of the two reinforcing locking tab formed into the side wall of the container depicted in FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 7B is similar to FIG. 7A , which illustrates the reinforcing locking tab in fully folded position.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art container 10 shown in its configuration for shipping and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the paperboard blank 12 from which the container 10 of FIG. 1 is formed.
  • the container 10 comprises a bottom panel 14 , respective first and second side walls 16 and 18 , respective first and second end walls 20 and 22 , all of which are foldably attached to one another.
  • Each of the respective top lid panel 24 and bottom lid panel 26 is foldably attached to the respective first side wall 16 and second side wall 18 .
  • the top lid panel 24 includes cover latches 28 formed at each outer corner edges.
  • the container 10 includes reinforced corners for improved stacking strength and the additional benefits associated with the various inventive locking mechanisms.
  • the locking tab and lock slot engage one another in a secure manner.
  • FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a container 10 ′ formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the container 10 ′ comprises a bottom wall 14 ′ having opposite parallel side walls 16 ′, 18 ′ and opposite parallel end walls 20 ′, 22 ′ extend foldably from the edges of the bottom wall 14 ′.
  • the side walls 16 ′ and 18 ′ extend foldably from longer edges of the bottom wall 14 ′ and the end walls 20 ′, 22 ′ extend foldably from shorter edges of the bottom wall.
  • Two top lid panels 24 ′, 26 ′ each of which foldably extends from respective side wall panels 16 ′, 18 ′ encloses the container 10 ′ in a partially overlapping relationship with respect to one another.
  • a single top lid or a cover integrally attached to one of the side walls or end walls of the container 10 ′ is used to use.
  • a plurality of vent holes 110 are formed on various sides of the container 10 ′ to facilitate in freezing the products such as beef, poultry and the like. For example, there are total of eight vent holes, four vents on the top side and four vents on the bottom side of the container 10 ′, but any number of vent holes 110 may be formed on the container 10 ′.
  • Two hand holes openings 60 ′ a , 60 ′ b are formed on the respective end walls 20 ′, 22 ′ to facilitate handling of the container 10 ′.
  • FIG. 6A is a plan view of a unitary blank 12 ′ used to form the container 10 ′ shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the unitary blank 12 ′ is similar to the unitary blank 12 except that a plurality of reinforcing locking tabs 112 a , 112 b , 112 c , 112 d and vent holes 110 are included in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • two hook tabs 114 a , 114 b each of which extends from the respective lateral free edges of the bottom lid flap or top lid panel 26 ′ and their corresponding slots 116 a , 116 b are formed on top lid panel 24 ′ so that the respective hook tabs 114 a , 114 b are inserted into the respective slots 116 a , 116 b when the top lid panels 24 ′ and 26 ′ are in overlapped position to enclose the container 10 ′.
  • the hook tabs 114 a , 114 b are not critical to the preferred embodiment of the invention and they are used only to further tightening or holding down the top lid panel 26 ′ onto the container when the users unreasonably over-packed the container with heavy products such as frozen meat and/or canned goods and the like.
  • the four reinforcing locking tabs 112 a , 112 b , 112 c , 112 d are formed in strategic positions within the container 10 ′ to enhance the integrity of the locks on the container 10 ′.
  • two reinforcing locking tabs 112 a , 112 b are formed on the top lid panel 24 ′ and the other two reinforcing locking tabs 112 c , 112 d are formed on the top lid panel 26 ′.
  • the respective reinforcing locking tabs 112 a , 112 b are formed at longer edge on the border of the top lid panel 24 ′ and side wall 16 ′ and they are spaced apart from one another.
  • the respective reinforcing locking tabs 112 c , 112 d are formed at longer edge on border of the top wall 26 ′ and side wall 18 ′ and they are mirror image of the locking tabs 112 a , 112 b .
  • the respective reinforcing locking tabs 112 a , 112 b , 112 c , 112 d are formed adjacent to the respective locking tabs 46 ′ and 48 ′.
  • the features of the blank 12 ′ that is the same as blank 12 in FIG. 2 will be described herein blew.
  • the top and bottom lid panels 24 ′, 26 ′ and side walls 16 ′, 18 ′ are arranged end-to-end in a series, with the bottom panel 14 ′ in the center of the series.
  • the top lid panel 24 ′ includes cover latches 28 ′ formed at each outer corner edge.
  • Each cover latch 28 ′ includes an arcuate outer edge shape 30 ′.
  • First and second inner scores 32 ′, 34 ′ are provided to distinguish the cover latch from the top lid panel 24 ′.
  • the second score line 34 ′ is formed in the body of the latch 28 ′, at a radial orientation. As shown, both the first score line 32 ′ and the second score line 34 ′ are angled outward for reasons are described below.
  • first and second scores are not oriented with the same angle where the first is more outwardly angled.
  • the outermost edge 36 ′ of the cover latch 28 is clipped inwardly to facilitate proper engagement with the cover latch slots.
  • Each of the side walls 16 ′ and 18 ′ further includes at least two locking tabs 46 ′.
  • the locking tabs 46 ′ are mushroom-shaped, with the base of the mushroom aligning with the hinge line between the respective side wall and its respective lid panel.
  • the locking tab 46 ′ includes a thumb notch 48 ′ at the base of the mushroom shape, adjacent the hinge line.
  • the first and second end walls 20 , 22 are formed similarly and they are mirror image of one another. Thus, for brevity, the first end wall will be described.
  • the first end wall 20 ′ is joined to the bottom panel 14 ′ along hinge line or fold line 50 ′.
  • the end wall has a first lateral edge defined by hinge line or fold line 52 , and a second lateral edge defined by hinge line or fold line 54 .
  • the hinge lines 52 ′ and 54 ′ are located at both end of and transverse to the aforementioned bottom panel hinge line 50 ′.
  • Each hinge line or fold line 52 ′ and 54 ′ joins a series of reinforcing panel sub-assemblies generally indicated at 56 ′ and 58 ′, respectively.
  • Each end wall includes a hand hole lock 60 formed from an arcuate cut line 61 and first and second perforate lines 62 , 63 .
  • Cover latch slots 64 ′ are located above the hand hole lock 60 ′ in the finished container.
  • Each end wall 20 , 22 also includes a recess 66 located along the end wall's exterior edge.
  • the first reinforcing panel sub-assembly 56 ′ includes a series of foldably connected inner, middle and outer panels 70 ′, 72 ′, and 74 ′.
  • a severing line 76 divides the side wall 16 ′ from the inner and middle panels 70 ′, 72 ′.
  • the severing line 76 also divides the top lid panel 24 ′ from the outer panel 74 ′ in a manner which forms the cover latch 28 ′.
  • the bottom panel fold line 50 ′ is slightly inwardly offset from the severing line 76 , so as to facilitate the folding sequences described below.
  • the respective outer panel 74 ′ includes an alignment recess 73 ′ that sits around the hand hole 60 when the blank is fully constructed.
  • the respective inner panel 70 includes a free edge having a pair of recesses 82 ′ that are preferably formed with sharp 90 degree corners.
  • the free edge of the middle panel 72 ′ includes a pair of recesses 78 ′ that are preferably formed with sharp 90 degree corners.
  • the material between the recesses forms a sharply-cornered intermediate tabs 84 ′.
  • the pair of recesses 78 ′ is laterally aligned with the pair of recesses 82 ′ which provides leeway for engaging the locking tab 46 ′.
  • the hinge line 90 joining the inner and middle panels is a perforated and scored line.
  • the hinge line 92 joining the middle and outer panels is perforated.
  • the hinge lines or fold lines 52 ′, 90 ′, and 92 ′ of the first sub-assembly are essentially orthogonal to the bottom panel hinge line
  • the second reinforcing panel sub-assembly 58 ′ also includes a series of hingedly connected inner, middle and outer panels 100 ′, 102 ′, 104 ′.
  • a severing line 106 divides the side wall 18 from the inner and middle panels 100 , 102 .
  • This severing line 106 ′ also divides the bottom lid panel 26 ′ from the outer panel 104 ′ in a manner which forms the respective hook tabs 114 a , 114 b .
  • the respective hook tabs 114 a , 114 b is joined to the bottom lid panel 26 ′.
  • the bottom panel fold line 50 is slightly inwardly offset from the severing line 106 ′, so as to facilitate folding.
  • the panels of the second sub-assembly are similar to those of the first sub-assembly, except the outer panel 104 ′ is cut to accommodate the hand hole 60 when the blank is fully constructed and does not include the cover latch 28 ′.
  • the container blank is symmetrical about a longitudinal center line, but is not symmetrical about a transverse center line, e.g., the cover latches 28 are located at only the upper region of the blank in FIG. 2 and the hook tabs 114 a , 114 b are located at only the lower region.
  • FIG. 6B is a plan view of an alternative unitary blank 12 ′′ that is the same as blank 12 ′ in FIG. 6A except that four extra locking tabs 48 a , 48 b , 48 c , 48 d and corresponding four recesses 78 a , 78 b , 78 c , and 78 d are formed therein in accordance with the present invention.
  • the respective extra locking tabs 48 a , 48 b , 48 c , and 48 d are formed in proximity of the respective locking tabs 48 ′′ in spaced relationship.
  • the corresponding four recesses 78 a , 78 b , 78 c , and 78 d are formed in proximity of the respective recesses 82 ′′ and 66 ′′ in spaced relationship.
  • the extra locking tabs 48 a , 48 b , 48 c , and 48 d are formed to provide exceedingly strength to prevent any failure of the container 10 during shipping when some users unreasonably over-packed the container 10 with heavy products.
  • the extra locking tabs 48 a , 48 b , 48 c , and 48 d are engaged with the corresponding four recesses 78 a , 78 b , 78 c , and 78 d in the same manner as the locking tabs 48 ′′ being engaged with their corresponding recesses 78 ′′, 82 ′′, and 66 ′′.
  • each reinforcing panel sub-assembly 56 ′, 58 ′ is folded upward, out of the plane of the blank along hinge or fold lines 52 and 54 .
  • the sub-assembly middle panel 72 ′ is folded inward approximately 180 degrees from the inner panel 70 ′, while simultaneously folding the outer panel 74 upward 90 degrees from the middle panel 72 .
  • the end result is a doubling-over of the inner and middle panels 70 ′, 72 ′ onto the side wall 16 and the outer panel 74 ′ onto the end wall 20 ′, respectively as seen best in FIGS. 7A and 7B .
  • each respective reinforcing locking tabs 112 a , 112 b ′, 112 c , and 112 d is sandwiched between their respective inner panels and middle panels. For example, as illustrated in FIGS.
  • the reinforcing locking tabs 112 a is sandwiched between the inner panel 70 ′ and middle panel 72 ′ and then the outer panel 74 ′ overlapped onto the end wall 20 ′.
  • the reinforcing locking tabs 112 b is sandwiched between the inner panel 100 ′ and middle panel 102 ′ and then the outer panel 104 ′ overlapped onto the end wall 20 ′.
  • the blank 12 ′ is symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof and therefore the both sides of the blank 12 ′ are mirror image of one another.
  • the respective reinforcing locking tabs 112 a , 112 b , 112 c , and 112 d prevents the side walls to be distorted when outward pressure is applied to these side walls during transportation.
  • the purpose of present invention is to reduce the propensity of the previously existing length-panel locks on the container 10 ′ from opening when outward pressure was applied at the side walls or when the lid of the container was folded away from the container when the container is filled with heavy products.
  • the existing locks 46 ′ on the container may be opened if it is over packed, and thus the container would lose its shape, and essentially return to a knocked-down flat shape.
  • Four reinforcing locking tabs 112 a , 112 b , 112 c , and 112 d are added that would prevent the side walls 16 ′, 18 ′ from being deflected outward, thus reducing the propensity of the side wall locks from opening.
  • these reinforcing locking tabs When these reinforcing locking tabs are in-place, the side walls of the container are held in a vertical position, thus maintaining the integrity of the locks on the container. Furthermore, these reinforcing locking tabs 112 a , 112 b , 112 c , and 112 d also reduce length-panel bulge when the carton is under load. Additionally, these reinforcing locking tabs are formed by material which is already contained in the existing blank size of the container. No additional material or increase in blank size or in the basis weight of corrugated material is added to container to gain the benefits which the present invention provides.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
US14/445,379 2013-07-30 2014-07-29 Container with reinforcing locking tabs Active US9045251B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/445,379 US9045251B2 (en) 2013-07-30 2014-07-29 Container with reinforcing locking tabs

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361860059P 2013-07-30 2013-07-30
US14/445,379 US9045251B2 (en) 2013-07-30 2014-07-29 Container with reinforcing locking tabs

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20150034708A1 US20150034708A1 (en) 2015-02-05
US9045251B2 true US9045251B2 (en) 2015-06-02

Family

ID=51358072

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/445,379 Active US9045251B2 (en) 2013-07-30 2014-07-29 Container with reinforcing locking tabs

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US9045251B2 (es)
AR (1) AR097141A1 (es)
MX (1) MX366902B (es)
WO (1) WO2015017392A1 (es)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD838587S1 (en) * 2016-10-18 2019-01-22 Dentsply Ih Ab Packaging
US10934051B1 (en) 2019-08-08 2021-03-02 International Business Machines Corporation Self-activated container
USD914495S1 (en) * 2020-01-25 2021-03-30 Pizzaloc Llc Tamper-evident container

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10248622B2 (en) * 2015-03-30 2019-04-02 Sap Se Variable virtual split dictionary for search optimization

Citations (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1981836A (en) * 1933-06-14 1934-11-20 Internat Mailing Tube And Wrap Cardboard box
US2665836A (en) * 1951-01-10 1954-01-12 Gaylord Container Corp Produce tray
US4056223A (en) 1976-08-11 1977-11-01 Packaging Corporation Of America Foldable container and blank therefor
US4236740A (en) 1979-07-09 1980-12-02 Champion International Corporation File box
US4319710A (en) 1980-05-01 1982-03-16 Westvaco Corporation Reinforced end sealed container
WO1986005762A1 (en) 1985-04-01 1986-10-09 The Mead Corporation Foldable container
US4621766A (en) 1985-06-28 1986-11-11 Inland Container Corporation Triple-end container and blank therefor
US4770339A (en) * 1987-05-06 1988-09-13 International Paper Company Ventilated, stackable grape box
US5000377A (en) 1988-05-04 1991-03-19 Inland Container Corporation Post construction
US5002224A (en) 1990-05-11 1991-03-26 Weyerhaeuser Company Produce container
US5139195A (en) 1991-09-04 1992-08-18 Inland Container Corporation Lidded cartons with improved locking
US5285956A (en) 1993-03-31 1994-02-15 Weyerhaeuser Company Container post for product protection
US5289971A (en) 1990-11-20 1994-03-01 Inland Container Corporation One piece carton blank
US5289970A (en) 1992-10-02 1994-03-01 Inland Container Corporation Paperboard container having reinforced corners
US5588585A (en) 1996-03-15 1996-12-31 Inland Container Corporation Automatic set-up carton with corner posts
US5996885A (en) * 1998-09-09 1999-12-07 Merryland Products, Inc. Foldable tote box
US6135347A (en) 1997-09-24 2000-10-24 Mueller; Charles J. Transportable container with press closure
US6367690B1 (en) * 2000-06-09 2002-04-09 Weyerhaeuser Company Container with tabbed cover
US6402020B1 (en) 2001-01-08 2002-06-11 Weyerhaeuser Company Container with locking reinforcement panels
US20050116017A1 (en) * 2003-11-14 2005-06-02 Jeff Nass Carton with corner post construction
US8205787B2 (en) * 2005-07-27 2012-06-26 International Paper Company Stackable packing tray with diagonal corners

Patent Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1981836A (en) * 1933-06-14 1934-11-20 Internat Mailing Tube And Wrap Cardboard box
US2665836A (en) * 1951-01-10 1954-01-12 Gaylord Container Corp Produce tray
US4056223A (en) 1976-08-11 1977-11-01 Packaging Corporation Of America Foldable container and blank therefor
US4236740A (en) 1979-07-09 1980-12-02 Champion International Corporation File box
US4319710A (en) 1980-05-01 1982-03-16 Westvaco Corporation Reinforced end sealed container
WO1986005762A1 (en) 1985-04-01 1986-10-09 The Mead Corporation Foldable container
US4621766A (en) 1985-06-28 1986-11-11 Inland Container Corporation Triple-end container and blank therefor
US4770339A (en) * 1987-05-06 1988-09-13 International Paper Company Ventilated, stackable grape box
US5000377A (en) 1988-05-04 1991-03-19 Inland Container Corporation Post construction
US5002224A (en) 1990-05-11 1991-03-26 Weyerhaeuser Company Produce container
US5289971A (en) 1990-11-20 1994-03-01 Inland Container Corporation One piece carton blank
US5139195A (en) 1991-09-04 1992-08-18 Inland Container Corporation Lidded cartons with improved locking
US5289970A (en) 1992-10-02 1994-03-01 Inland Container Corporation Paperboard container having reinforced corners
US5285956A (en) 1993-03-31 1994-02-15 Weyerhaeuser Company Container post for product protection
US5588585A (en) 1996-03-15 1996-12-31 Inland Container Corporation Automatic set-up carton with corner posts
US6135347A (en) 1997-09-24 2000-10-24 Mueller; Charles J. Transportable container with press closure
US5996885A (en) * 1998-09-09 1999-12-07 Merryland Products, Inc. Foldable tote box
US6367690B1 (en) * 2000-06-09 2002-04-09 Weyerhaeuser Company Container with tabbed cover
US6402020B1 (en) 2001-01-08 2002-06-11 Weyerhaeuser Company Container with locking reinforcement panels
US6575356B2 (en) 2001-01-08 2003-06-10 Weyerhaeuser Company Container with locking reinforcement panels
US6595411B2 (en) 2001-01-08 2003-07-22 Weyerhaeuser Company Container with locking reinforcement panels
US20050116017A1 (en) * 2003-11-14 2005-06-02 Jeff Nass Carton with corner post construction
US8205787B2 (en) * 2005-07-27 2012-06-26 International Paper Company Stackable packing tray with diagonal corners

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD838587S1 (en) * 2016-10-18 2019-01-22 Dentsply Ih Ab Packaging
US10934051B1 (en) 2019-08-08 2021-03-02 International Business Machines Corporation Self-activated container
USD914495S1 (en) * 2020-01-25 2021-03-30 Pizzaloc Llc Tamper-evident container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX2016001266A (es) 2016-12-15
AR097141A1 (es) 2016-02-24
WO2015017392A1 (en) 2015-02-05
MX366902B (es) 2019-07-30
US20150034708A1 (en) 2015-02-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9242758B2 (en) Polygonal containers having a locking bottom and blanks and methods for forming the same
US6402020B1 (en) Container with locking reinforcement panels
US10259610B2 (en) Reusable produce containers and related methods
US8070053B2 (en) Self-locking stackable tapered container with partial top structure
US8622282B2 (en) Blanks and methods for forming reinforced containers
US6938820B2 (en) Interlocking stackable box
US6296178B1 (en) Container with triangular corner posts
CA2797241C (en) Hammer-lock container
MX2007013696A (es) Charola apilable con tapa para embalaje.
US9045251B2 (en) Container with reinforcing locking tabs
US2409673A (en) Fiberboard container having reinforced ends and integral hinged closure
US2698125A (en) Container
US3145902A (en) Compartmented container
US20150028090A1 (en) Front-rollover and hammer-lock container
US6471121B1 (en) Stackable tray with divider
US20130105563A1 (en) Foldable container
US10246215B2 (en) Semiregular polyhedron box and method of assembly
US7255262B2 (en) Single piece bulk bin blank and container
US2382819A (en) Container
US9731859B1 (en) Container with overlapping flap system and container blank for making the same
US20160280416A1 (en) Shipping and display container with supporting insert
US20040169068A1 (en) Container with triangular corner posts
RU2278807C2 (ru) Упаковочная коробка
NZ531190A (en) A tray and blank therefor (flexo tray)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY, TENNESSEE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SANCHEZ, HECTOR ALONSO;MUNOZ, JOSE MANUEL FRAGA;KRETZ, DAVID;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140815 TO 20140818;REEL/FRAME:033883/0534

AS Assignment

Owner name: IP CARTONES Y CORRUGADOS, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., MEXI

Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNOR NAMES PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 033883 FRAME: 0534. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNORS:SANCHEZ, HECTOR ALONSO;MUNOZ, JOSE MANUEL FRAGA;REEL/FRAME:033942/0734

Effective date: 20140818

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 4

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 8